Auburn DL Davidson biggest riser, Vandy TE Pinkney biggest faller in latest PFF big board

No two players moved as much in the post-Senior Bowl rankings by Pro Football Focus than Auburn defensive lineman Marlon Davidson and Vanderbilt tight end Jared Pinkney.

For Davidson, it was all good news, even though he missed the game after suffering a minor injury and practiced only one day. For Pinkney, once thought to be the top tight end by many draft analysts, it was not good news.

Davidson (6-foot-3, 297) jumped up 35 spots, moving from PFF’s No. 76 overall player to No. 41 in its latest top 100 rankings.

From PFF:

“We were hesitant on Davidson heading into the Senior Bowl, as he looked like a tweener on tape. Well he showed up at 297 in Mobile after playing at 280 for Auburn and proved he could be a full-time 3-tech in the NFL. Davidson was the most impressive lineman in attendance after Javon Kinlaw.”

Auburn's Marlon Davidson during #SeniorBowl practice with the hesi/bull to long arm. Finishes with an inside escape via the arm over@marlondavidson7 is projected to go early in the first round of the 2020 #NFLDraft! #PassRush #WarEagle

Video Credit: @VochLombardi pic.twitter.com/foW5zhlLi7

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) January 22, 2020

Fanspeak co-owner and On The Clock draft simulator creator Steve Shoup, who covered the Senior Bowl, came away impressed, calling Davidson an “all-around disruptor” who helped his draft stock.

“… There is a question of where he fits in every scheme,” Shoup said. “Davidson, though, showed power and quickness that should allow him to stay on the edge in even fronts and play the 5 tech in 3-4 defenses. He can kick inside in nickel packages and could be used in a similar way the Giants used Justin Tuck during their Super Bowl run.”

Pinkney, meanwhile, entered Senior Bowl week ranked No. 46 overall by PFF. Now? The 6-foot-4, 254-pound senior was one of four players who dropped out of the top 100 – but the other three players were ranked in the mid- to high-80s.

“Alongside some undersized, athletic tight ends, Pinkney looked notably worse athletically,” PFF’s Michael Renner wrote in his post-Senior Bowl report. “His speed really is lacking at the position and will likely be falling down PFF’s draft board after his performance this week. The difference makers at tight end in the NFL can win down the field and Pinkney did not show that kind of ability even against linebackers in Mobile.”

Davidson is currently the No. 29 player in the latest Fanspeak-Steve big board, while Pinkney is ranked No. 135.